Cava

942 S Howard Ave, Tampa, FL 33606

Greek / Mediterranean

Last inspected: Mar 31, 2026

Score

Low Risk

The health department has logged nine inspections at Cava, the earliest from 2022. The latest inspection on file is from Mar 31, 2026. A low risk tier reflects an inspection that turned up minimal issues.

Recent inspections have turned up roughly the same number of issues each time, hovering near two violations per visit.

Across the inspection history, “vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded two times.

Restaurants in Tampa average 79, so Cava is doing better than most peers. Taken together, the history is a positive one.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Mar 31, 2026

Routine - Food

1 minor violation.

View 1 violation

Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed wall soiled around dish machine area.

36-27-5

Aug 6, 2025

Routine - Food

1 major violation. 1 minor violation.

View 2 violations

Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Small white cutting board has stains and is no longer cleanable. Manager discarded cutting board and replaced it with a brand new one. **Corrected On-Site**

22-02-4

Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee drink stored inside food preparation sink. Manager discarded drink. **Corrected On-Site**

12B-07-4

Jul 19, 2024

Routine - Food

1 minor violation.

View 1 violation

Hands Clean and Properly Washed

FL-08

Mar 13, 2024

Routine - Food

No violations found.

100

Jan 11, 2024

Routine - Food

1 major violation. 1 minor violation.

View 2 violations

Intermediate - No certified food manager for establishment. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ No managers have food handlers certification. **Warning**

53A-07-6

Basic - Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. Old labels stuck on clean dishes on shelves next to 3 compartment sink.

16-46-4

Jul 28, 2023

Routine - Food

1 critical violation. 5 minor violations.

View 6 violations

High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Mop sink has a splitter without a Back-flow protection device.

29-34-4

Basic - No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. Manager posted choking poster.

51-13-4

Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Mop sitting inside mop sink preventing proper air drying. Manager properly stored mop. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**

42-01-4

Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Bottles of food use for cooking has no labeling of ingredients. Manager added proper labeling to containers **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**

02D-01-5

Basic - No copy of latest inspection report available.

51-18-6

Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Dishes stacked on top of each other preventing proper air drying.

24-08-4

Mar 28, 2023

Complaint Full

1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 3 minor violations.

View 5 violations

High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Mop sink has a splitter with no Back-flow protection device.

29-34-4

Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. No paper towels at at hand washing sink by walk in cooler. Manager placed paper towels at hand washing sink. **Corrected On-Site**

31B-02-4

Basic - Raw fruits/vegetables not washed prior to preparation. Avocado's not washed before preparation. Avocado's still have stickers stuck on them. Employee removed stickers and placed avocado's in victory wash. **Corrected On-Site**

08B-39-4

Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Wet mop sitting inside mop sink.

42-01-4

Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Bottles of food used for cooking has no labeling of ingredients inside reach in cooler on front line. **Repeat Violation**

02D-01-5

Jan 12, 2023

Routine - Food

1 major violation. 2 minor violations.

View 3 violations

Certified Food Manager Identification

FL-02

Potentially Hazardous Food Held at Proper Temperature

FL-16

Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature

FL-29

Sep 23, 2022

Food-Licensing Inspection

No violations found.

100

Show all 9 inspections Show less

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Cava last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Cava on file is from Mar 31, 2026. The public record contains nine inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Cava?

Across the inspection record, “vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb” has been cited two times, more than any other issue at Cava.

How does Cava compare to other restaurants in Tampa?

Cava most recently scored 95 out of 100, which is higher than the Tampa average of 79.

Has Cava's inspection record improved over time?

Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Cava have averaged around two violations per visit across the recent record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at Cava means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.

How often is Cava inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Cava is inspected around three times per year on average.

Nearby Restaurants

Irish 31 Pub House & Eatery

Score: 100 — Low Risk

Oh Yeah Creamery

224 S Boulevard

Score: 95 — Low Risk

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